Gusset hook



June 15, 1965 c. E. JOHANSSON 3,189,376

GUSSET HOOK Filed Feb. 8, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 )4: FIG! k 2a \isz as 12 k 27 M 1 36 29 M/QW';

I INVENTOR. 26 g Q 3' CARL E. JOHANSSON BY I9 24 36 34 5 :7

3o ATTORNEYS June 15, 1965 c. E. JOHANSSON 3,189,376

GUSSET HOOK Filed Feb. 8, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VENTOR. CARL E. JOHANSSON Fags 36y ATTORNEYS United States Patent Oil ice 3,l89,37 Patented June 15, 1965 3,189,376 GUSSET HQQK Carl E. .iohansson, Cleveland, Uhio, assignor to The Youngstown Steel Door Company, (Ileveland, Ohio, in corporation of Ohio Filed Feb. 8, 1963, Ser. No. 257,217 6 Ciaims. (ill. 29467) This invention relates to lifting hooks for a drop bottom container and to the method of fabricating such hooks.

Containers of the general class herein illustrated are designed to carry bulk material from a loading point to a destination point with the transporting facility being either by railroad or by truck. A combination of the two transporting mediums is frequently used with trucks transporting the loaded containers to and from a railroad terminal. In view of the prevalent use of trucks in transporting these containers, the design of the containers must take into account the peculiar limitations of the trucking industry. For example, trucks are limited as to the maximum width permissible on the highways and also as to the maximum weight they may carry. Accordingly, the containers must be designed to utilize advantageously the physical dimensions of the truck, and also be as light weight as possible in order to obtain a greater payload within the weight restrictions.

The use of these containers raises one additional factor that must be considered. Upon reaching the destination point, the loaded container is removed from the truck and maneuvered by a crane, such as a shop crane, to the particular location in the plant where the bulk material is to be utilized. Thus, the containers must be of such structural strength as to withstand the lifting and maneuvering operations. The necessity for structural strength particularly is acute in the design of the lifting hooks for the container of which they are ordinarily four in number, one disposed at each corner. Since the entire weight of the container and the contents carried 'by the container will be suspended from the four hooks during the maneuvering operation, it becomes obvious that the hooks themselves must be of sturdy construction, and the securement of the hooks to the container body becomes quite critical.

The prior art has recognized the necessity of a structurally sound lifting hook construction, but in order to obtain the structural strength required, the prior art has increased the weight and overall dimensions of the containers. The result has been that trucks carrying the prior art containers have been unable to carry as great a payload as they should. Also, the cost of the containers has been excessive due to the added structural Weight and the particular hook design heretofore utilized.

A typical prior art lifting hook construction embodies a lifting hook cast integral with the associated corner gusset. The cast hook when assembled on the container closely parallels one of the side walls of the container and protrudes beyond the containers outer dimensions. The problems of such an arrangement are several. Cast gusset hooks are relatively expensive and unnecessarily increase the overall weight of the container. These hooks, since they are generally aligned with one side wall of the container, necessitate having both right-handed and lefthanded hooks. Also, hooks disposed in this fashion are subject to undesirable lateral components of the lifting force.

Finally, hooks of the prior art construction have not allowed the optimum utilization of the available space on the transporting vehicle. Since the hooks of the prior art design protrude beyond the outer dimensions of the con tainer, it is impossible physically to place the containers as close together as desired. As a result, usable space is being wasted.

In view of the problems of the prior art, it is an object of this invention to provide a greatly simplified lifting hook construction.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a hook that is less expensive to fabricate.

It is a still furthe object of this invention to provide a lifting hook construction that will allow maximum utilization of the available transportation space.

It is another object of this invention to provide a lifting hook construction that will eliminate undesirable lateral components of force.

With the above objects in mind, the invention contemplates a welded gusset hook combination that is secured by suitable fastening means to each of the upper corners of the container. Each of the hooks, when applied to the container, is placed along a diagonal of the container,

with the hook being disposed well within the outer dimensions of the container.

The gusset hook comprises a flat plate having a horizontal bend line dividing the plate into upper and lower portions and a vertical bend line dividing the plate into right and left portions. A V-shaped cutout portion is disposed in the upper portion of the plate with the V configuration being symmetrically disposed on the vertical bend line. The plate is folded along the horizontal bend line and the vertical bend line whereby the upper portion is at a right angle to the lower portion and the right side is at a right angle to the left side. The plate, after bending, conforms to the corner configuration of the container. A fiat plate having a hook spaced recess provided in one side thereof is inserted in the slot formed by the V--shaped cutout of the corner plate. The vertical plate is then Welded to the corner plate. Triangular gusset components are connected between the vertical plate and the horizontal surface of the corner plate. A flat plate having a width greater than the thickness of the vertical plate is bent and secured in place within the hook shaped recess, whereby the plane of the plate extends transversely of the vertical plate. Each of the components of the hook and gusset combination are secured by welding, thereby providing a simple and inexpensive fabrication.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the following description sets forth in detail one approved means of carrying out the invention. Such disclosed means are not to be limiting, constituting but one of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be used.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the container as it is being lifted by the gusset hook combination of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view taken at line 22 of FIG. 1 showing the lifting hooks secured to the corner gusset;

FIG. 3 is a partial side elevation showing the gusset hook in detail;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 3, showing the details of the gusset hook, the container being shown in phantom for clarity;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the lifting hook; and

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the corner gusset before bending.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, the container is indicated generally by the reference numeral 10. A central cavity is formed by side walls 11 and 12 and end walls 13 and 14. A hopper, discharge opening and drop bottom closure are provided at the lower region of the container. Inasmuch as the features of the lower portion of the container do not form a part of the instant invention, a detailed discussion thereof is not deemed necessary.

Disposed at each corner of the container and interconnecting adjacent marginal portions of the walls 11, 12, 13 and 14 are vertical angle members 15, 16, 17 and 18, the latter not shown. These angle members, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, extend from the bottom of the container and terminate short of the upper edges of the side and end walls.

Around the upper perimeter of the cavity formed by walls 11, 12, 13 and 14 are Z-shaped members 19, 2t 21 and 22. Each of these Z-shaped members is secured by suitable fastening means to the upper portion of one of the Walls 11, 12, 13 and 14. Each of the Z-shaped members, for example member 19, includes a lower vertical portion 23, a horizontally disposed portion 24, and an upper vertical portion 25. The lower vertical portion of each of Z-shaped members 19, MB, 21 and 22 extends the full length of its corresponding wall and, as shown in FIG. 3, overlaps the leg of its corresponding corner angle member. The upper vertical portion of each Z-shaped member is disposed centrally of its corresponding wall 11, 12, 13 and 14, and terminates short of either end thereof. The apron formed by the Z-shaped members is completed by lip portions 26 formed on each of members 19, 20, 21 and 2.2., with straps 27 interconnecting adjacent ends of the members. Triangular gusset means 28 are spaced along the length of each of members 19, 20, 21 and 22 and act as reinforcing means.

At the juncture of adjacent ends of 19, 20, 21 and 22, pockets or receses are formed by channel-like members 29. Each channel-like member 29 abuts and is secured to the adjacent ends of two of the Z-shaped members. Disposed in each of the recesses defined by the channellike members 29 are the gusset hooks designated generally by the numeral 39.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, each of the gusset hooks comprises a corner gusset 31 and a hook construction 32 secured to the corner gusset. As shown in FIG. 2, the orientation of the hooks 32 on their corner gussets 31 is along the diagonals of the container. Turning to FIGS. 3 and 4, it is apparent that the dimensions of the hook construction 32 are such that the hook does not extend above the lip portion 26 of the top apron, nor do the hooks extend outwardly beyond the outer dimensions of the container. Thus, looking at the container hook combination illustrated in FIG. 1, several advantages become apparent. In lifting the container, the hooks are in alignment with the lifting force, thereby eliminating any undesirable lateral twisting force on the hooks. Further, due to the particular relationship between the hooks and the container, it can be seen that a series of these containers could be stacked side-by-side without interference from the hooks. Also, the containers might be stacked one on top of the other, and the hooks would not be a problem. The net result of the hook container relationship is that transporting vehicles, such as trucks, can increase their payload by a more compact placement of the containers.

Turning now to the specific hook construction, each hook 32 comprises a vertically disposed plate or body portion 33 having a portion cut therefrom to define a hook shaped recess. Disposed in this recess and conforming to the shape thereof is a fiat plate 34, which has a transverse width greater than the thickness of the vertical plate 33. The plate 3 may have bevelled edges as a means of preventing undesirable wear on the lifting cables. Welds 35 secure the plate 34 in the hook shaped recess. Triangular gusset members 36 are secured by welds 37 on either side of the vertical plate 33. The vertical plate 33 extends downwardly through a slot 38, FIG. 4, formed in the corner gusset 31 with welds 39 securing the vertical plate 33 and triangular gussets 36 to the horizontal portion of the corner gusset 31.

The gusset hook combination may be assembled separately and then applied to an otherwise completed container. To fabricate a gusset hook combination, a flat plate 49 of an appropriate size is selected. A vertical bend line 41 is outlined on the plate 4%, dividing the plate into equal right and left portions, as seen in FIG. 6. A horizontal bend line 42 is app-lied to the plate 4%, thereby dividing the plate as into upper and lower portions, as viewed in FIG. 6. The precise location of the line 42 is a function of the extent to which it is desired that the gusset extend down the side of the container. A plurality of holes 43 are formed in the plate to receive means of securing the plate to the container.

A V-shaped cutout portion having an included angle of with sides 45 and as is provided centrally of the upper portion of plate 40. The V-shaped cutout has a vertex 44 on the vertical line 41 and displaced a distance X below the horizontal fold line 42. The distance X is determined by the thickness of the vertical plate 33 that is to be inserted in the slot formed by the V-shaped groove. Generally, the distance X may be equal to the thickness of the vertical plate and this, cou led with the inherent radius formed by bending the plate 40 along the line 51, will be adequate to form a slot with sufficient clearance for the plate 33. Sides 4'7 and 48 are cut in the plate 10 to remove excess and unnecessary material.

To form the corner gusset 31, the plate 40 is first bent along the fold line 42 until the lower portion is at right angles to the upper portion. The plate is then bent along the fold line 41 through a 90 bend. By virtue of these two bends, the plate 40 now conforms to the corner of the container with sides 45 and 4-6 of the V-shaped cutout forming a slot adapted to receive the vertical plate 33.

The lifting hook is formed from a flat plate, the plate being of a thickness appropriate for the projected weight of the container. The book may be of a configuration as shown in FIG. 5, although the particular shape of the hook is not critical. It is desirable that the forward point of the hook 49 be removed as a safety precaution for the operating personnel. Since the lifting force on the hook ordinarily will be directed to the rearward of the hook, the hook shaped recess is formed as a partially inverted U midway of one side of the plate 33. This orientation of the recess aligns the depth of the recess with the lifting cable so that the force exerted by the lifting cable is along generally the diagonal of the plate 33, as shown best in FIG. 1. The rearwardly directed force will cause a tendency for the back portion of the hook to be depressed. The triangular gussets 36 act as a means of strengthening the back portion of the hook against this downward moment, with the lower forward portion 5i) of the hook, serving as a check against the counterclockwise moment through its closed relationship with the gusset 31.

In assembling the gusset, the plate 40 is bent along the lines 41 and 42, as set forth above. A hook cut to the desired configuration is prepared and the transverse plate 34 is inserted in the hook shaped recess and secured by welding thereto. The hook then may be inserted in the slot 38 formed by sides a5 and 46 of plate 40, followed by the attachment of the triangular gussets 36. Alternatively, the triangular gussets 36 may be attached to the vertical plate 33 prior to the insertion into the slot 38. The latter method requires that the gussets be somewhat accurately placed on the plate 33 so that the hook will be seated properly on the horizontal portion of the gusset 31. However, there is an advantage to attaching the gussets 36 to the vertical plate 33 prior to inserting the plate into the slot of the gusset 31, and that is that the triangular gusset 36, in combination with the transverse plate 34, will serve to support the plate 33 on the horizontal portion of the gusset 31 during the attaching process. After the hook has been inserted in the slot of the gusset 31, the hook is secured to the gusset by welding, thereby completing the gusset hook combination.

These gusset hooks may be made separate from the containers and in great quantities so that as the containers are produced, the manufacturer may take any four of the gusset hooks and apply the hooks to the container without being concerned as to right-hand and left-hand hooks. It also should be observed that the gusset hooks may be fabricated in a shop having only the simplest of equipment. This was not true of the prior art which utilized a cast hook and therefore more complex equipment.

For reasons of description, the principles of the invention have been set forth in connection with but a single illustrated embodiment. It is not my intention that the illustrated embodiment, nor the terminology employed in describing it be limiting, inasmuch as variations in these may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, but rather are desired to be restricted only by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A gusset hook combination comprising a gusset adapted to be attached to the corner of a container,

said gusset having a horizontal surface and legs depending from two adjacent edges of said horizontal surface,

means defining a slot in said horizontal surface, said slot extending from the juncture of said two adjacent edges of said horizontal surface along the diagonal of said horizontal surface,

a vertical plate received in said slot,

said vertical plate having a portion cut therefrom to define a hook shaped recess,

a plate having a width greater than the thickness of said vertical plate disposed in and conforming to said hook shaped recess and being secured to said vertical plate;

triangular gusset means on either side of said vertical plate and being secured to said vertical plate and said horizontal surface of said gusset.

2. A gusset hook combination comprising a corner gusset having a horizontal surface,

means defining a slot in said horizontal surface of said corner gusset,

a hook extending through said slot and being secured to said horizontal surface of said corner gusset,

said hook comprising a vertical plate having a hook shaped recess cut therefrom,

a plate having a width greater than the thickness of said vertical plate disposed in and conforming to said hook shaped recess,

means securing said plate to said vertical plate,

triangular gusset means on either side of said vertical plate,

means securing said triangular gussets to said vertical plate and to said horizontal surface of said corner gusset.

3. A gusset hook combination comprising a corner gusset having a horizontal surface,

means defining a slot in said horizontal surface,

hook means secured to said corner gusset,

said hook means comprising a vertical plate extending through said slot in said horizontal surface,

said vertical plate having a partially inverted U-shaped recess defined in one edge portion thereof,

a plate having a width greater than the thickness of said vertical plate being disposed in and conforming to said U-shaped recess,

triangular gusset means on either side of said vertical plate and rearwardly of said U-shaped recess,

means securing said triangular gusset means to said vertical plate and to said horizontal surface of said corner gusset.

4. A gusset hook combination comprising,

a corner gusset having a slot defined therein,

hook means having a body portion with width, thickness and sides received in said slot,

means securing said body portion to the walls of said slot,

said hook means having a U-shaped recess formed in one side thereof and,

a plate having a width greater than the thickness of said hook means being disposed in and conforming to said U-shaped recess whereby a lifting force applied to said hook means in said recess is distributed over a surface greater than the width of of said body portion.

5. A method of fabricating a corner gusset hook combination comprising the steps of,

cutting a partially inverted U-shaped recess in one edge of and intermediate the length of a first plate,

bending a second plate having a transverse width greater than the thickness of said first plate to a configuration coinciding with the partially inverted U-shaped recess,

securing said second plate in said. recess of said first plate,

securing triangular gusset plates to either side of said first plate,

locating a vertical bend line centrally of a third plate,

locating a horizontal bend line transverse to said vertical bend line,

cutting a V-shaped recess in the upper portion of said third plate with the recess being disposed centrally of said vertical bend line, said recess having an in cluded angle of with the vertex of the recess being displaced below the juncture of the bend lines a distance equal to the thickness of said first plate,

bending said third plate along the horizontal bend line so that the lower portion of the plate is at a right angle to the upper portion,

bending said third plate along the vertical bend line whereby the right side of the plate is at a right angle to the left side of the plate and the sides of the V- shaped recess are spaced apart and parallel, thereby forming a slot,

inserting said first plate in said slot in said third plate,

and

securing said first plate and triangular gussets to said third plate.

6. A method of fabricating a corner gusset hook combination having a corner gusset adapted to be attached to the corner of a container and a plate defining a hook secured to the corner gusset comprising the steps of,

locating a vertical bend line centrally of a flat plate,

locating a horizontal bend line transverse to said vertical bend line,

cutting an upwardly opening V-shaped recess in the upper portion of said plate with the recess being disposed centrally of said vertical bend line, said recess having an included angle of 90,

bending said flat plate along the bend lines whereby the lower portion is normal to said upper portion, the right side is normal to the left side and the sides of the V-shaped recess are spaced apart and parallel, thereby forming a slot,

inserting said hook defining plate in said slot,

and securing said hook defining plate to said flat plate.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,063,357 6/13 Lackman 189-36 1,846,038 2/32 Owens 294-67 2,126,949 8/38 Ditchfield 2201.5 2,568,027 9/51 Rachlin 2915O 2,745,169 5/56 Scheldorf 29-150 2,938,747 5/60 Pitts 294--67 2,987,339 6/61 Kaplan et al 29481 LOUIS I. DEMBO, Primary Examiner. ANDRES H. NIELSEN, Examiner. 

1. A GUSSET HOOK COMBINATION COMPRISING A GUSSET ADAPTED TO BE ATTACHED TO THE CORNER OF A CONTAINER, SAID GUSSET HAVING A HORIZONTAL SURFACE AND LEGS DEPENDING FROM TWO ADJACENT EDGES OF SAID HORIZONTAL SURFACE, MEANS DEFINING A SLOT IN SAID HORIZONTAL SURFACE, SAID SLOT EXTENDING FROM THE JUNCTURE OF SAID TWO ADJACENT EDGES OF SAID HORIZONTAL SURFACE ALONG THE DIAGONAL OF SAID HORIZONTAL SURFACE, A VERTICAL PLATE RECEIVED IN SAID SLOT, SAID VERTICAL PLATE HAVING A PORTION CUT THEREFROM TO DEFINE A HOOK SHAPED RECESS, A PLATE HAVING A WIDTH GREATER THAN THE THICKNESS OF SAID VERTICAL PLATE DISPOSED IN AND CONFORMING TO SAID HOOK SHAPED RECESS AND BEING SECURED TO SAID VERTICAL PLATE, TRIANGULAR GUSSET MEANS ON EITHER SIDE OF SAID VERTICAL PLATE AND BEING SECURED TO SAID VERTICAL PLATE AND SAID HORIZONTAL SURFACE OF SAID GUSSET. 